Sam Campbell, 49, disappeared on New Year's Day after leaving his home outside Ballymena, Co Antrim, to go on a bike ride.

Police involved in a search revealed today that his bicycle had been found in a coastal area near the village of Glenarm.

Father-of-three Mr Campbell, an electrical contractor, was last seen heading out into the countryside from his home in Tully Road, Kells. He was a keen cyclist who trained regularly, sometimes clocking up 50 miles a day.

His wife Laverne, 47, said: "He is committed to his work, his family and to cycling and did everything 100pc. He wanted to get his training started early and that is why he went out on Sunday."